SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The California Health Benefit Exchange Board has voted unanimously to include stand-alone vision plans directly in both the Individual and SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) Exchanges.

The decision represents a reversal of a prior decision, as reported by VMail. It also reflects renewed support for the measure which has come from various groups.

A spokesperson from VSP, the nation's largest managed vision care provider, said, "This allows Californians to continue to have direct access to independent eyecare providers. First and foremost, we’d like to thank the California Optometric Association for all of their hard work on behalf of the thousands of doctors in California who work with stand-alone vision plans. We are also appreciative of the support received from Advantica, Bay Area Optometric Council, California Optical Laboratories Association, CV Management Group, Inland Empire Optometric Society, MESVision, National Association of Vision Care Plans, Primary Eyecare Network, San Fernando Valley Optometric Society, San Joaquin Optometric Society and Superior Vision. California now joins Maryland and Massachusetts in providing a model for vision care that other states can follow."

The spokesperson added that the American Diabetes Association joined the list of supporters for the inclusion of stand-alone vision plans in the Exchanges. Also among those who came out in support of the inclusion of stand- alone plans, VSP said, were: Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, State of California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and Rancho Cordova Mayor David Sander.